Saudia Group has signed a binding sales agreement with electric aircraft manufacturer Lilium for 50 of its electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) jets with options for the purchase of 50 more.
Following the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the two parties in October 2022, this sale agreement marks the largest of its kind in the Middle East and North African region (MENA) and marks an industry milestone as the largest firm order of eVTOL aircraft by an airline that plans to operate the aircraft.
“This agreement amplifies our commitment to the Saudi Vision 2030 and is the result of a collaborative effort over the past years between Lilium and Saudia Group to explore how we can best bring eVTOL to the skies of Saudi Arabia,” said Ibrahim Al-Omar, Director General of Saudia Group.
“The eVTOL jets are revolutionising guest transportation. Their unique vertical take-off and landing capabilities open up entirely new routes.”
This purchase agreement marks the latest addition to Lilium’s extensive order pipeline that now consists of 106 firm orders and reservations, 76 options, and roughly 600 aircraft under MOU.
“The Middle East is a priority for Lilium, and Saudi Arabia will be a very large and exciting market for electric, high-speed regional air mobility,” said Klaus Roewe, CEO of Lilium.
“We are thrilled to be pioneering progress in the eVTOL industry as the eVTOL manufacturer with the largest reported firm purchase order from an international airline that plans to operate the aircraft.”
The agreement includes a schedule of deposit and pre-delivery payments, timeline of future deliveries, guarantees on aircraft performance, and provisions on spare parts, maintenance, and repairs.
Saudia Group to acquire up to 100 eVTOLs from Lilium
